Chile Holidays: Austral Road Overland- Patagonia

The Austral Road starts South of Puerto Montt and makes it way through mighty fjords for over one thousand kilometers. Glaciers born in the Andes come to die here in the Pacific Ocean. The famous ice-field spreading from Coihaique to Tortel fades away in Mount St Valentin (4,058m) near the well known San Rafael Lagoon. Further South this land is virtually unexplored. The aim of this journey is to toroughly explore this region recently opened to tourism, discovering real stunning landscapes of temperate rainforests, snowcapped mountains, hanging glaciers, deep fjords, thermal waters and beautiful lakes. We overnight in lovely lodges or in remote fishermen villages, travelling by plane, car or boat.

DAY 1: PUERTO MONTT - CHAITEN - EL AMARILLO
Reception at Puerto Montt Airport and connecting flight to Chaiten, a fishermen village located at the beginning of the Austral Road. Upon arrival, we begin our drive southbound to El Amarillo hot springs where we spend our first the night in a lodge. (L)

DAY 2: EL AMARILLO - PUYUHUAPI
Our trip continues down the Austral Road enjoying captivating vistas over the forests, mountains, lakes and spectacular hanging glaciers crawling down the bottom of green valleys. We may even have time and enough strength to hike to the base of one of them. Arrival at Puyuhuapi, where we board a boat to the famous Puyuhuapi hot springs. Overnight in a lovely hotel and resort. (BL)

DAY 3: PUYUHUAPI- QUEULAT FJORD
Full day excursion to Ventisquero Colgante (hanging glacier). Short trek to a glacier in the Queulat National Park and/or rest in the resort, which offers various alternatives of activities (spa, fishing, kayaking...optionnal). Short transfer to Queulat Fjord Hostel and Cabanas to overnight (BL)

DAY 4: QUEULAT FJORD - COIHAIQUE
We resume our southward journey driving along a winding road. Lush forests, lakes and valleys with green prairies are common sceneries. We finally reach Coihaique, the capital of the region. Overnight in hotel. (BL)

DAY 5: COIHAIQUE - TERRA LUNA
The landscape now slowly changes. The dense and lush forests are replaced by rocky peaks with barren slopes and thousands year old glaciers. We reach the shore of Lake General Carrera, the second biggest lake in South America and visit (if possible) the "Capilla de Marmol" (marble chapel), a cave carved by quiet water (a real natural marvel). Then, we keep going southbound to reach Puerto Guadal, where we spend the night in Terra Luna Lodge enjoying a spectacular view over the lake. (BL)

DAY 6: TERRA LUNA
Full day hiking in the surroundings of Terra Luna Lodge to discover the incredible views on the surrounding mountains and the lake. The lodge also offer numerous activities (optional) in the area, such as mountainbiking, horseback riding, fishing, sailing etc.... We can also organise a fabulous flight (optional) over the northern ice-cap mountain range and to the famous Saint Rafael Lagoon (around USD 140). This is a real experience, do not miss it. Overnight at Terra Luna Lodge or in hotel Puerto Guadal. (BL)

DAY 7: TERRA LUNA - COCHRANE
Resuming our journey soutward, we follow the Baker River, a fishermen paradise. We arrive at Cochrane Town, and in the afternoon, we go up to the Huemul Reserve where we do a magnificent walk trying to catch a glimpse of this beautiful animal (a kind of rare deer). Drive back to Cochrane. Overnight in hotel. (BL)

DAY 8: COCHRANE - TORTEL
We follow the last section of the Austral Road to Vagabundo Area. The landscapes are absolutely wild and unexplored. Then, we continue our drive to Caleta Tortel. No words can describe the unique experience of discovering a village cuddled between the ocean and the hills. Tortel is an amazing village. There are neither streets nor cars and Tortel keeps a special atmosphere. Overnight in a guesthouse in Tortel (BL)

DAY 10: TERRA LUNA - COIHAQUE - COIHAIQUE (BALMACEDA)
We drive to Chile Chico alongside Lake General Carrera. We then board a plane to Balmaceda (or Coihaique) and connect with our connecting flight back to Santiago or Punta Arenas (for those who wish to visit Torres del Paine). (B)

In order to complete your knowledge of Chilean Patagonia, a natural extension is our Torres del Paine Nature Journey. You discover the stupendous and dramatic landscapes of one of the most scenic national park of the Americas

Rated: Easy

This journey is rather comfortable with overnights in double rooms in hotels and involving only gentle hikes. However some drive may be long.

Departure dates
2006: January 14 - February 11 - March 11 - April 15 - May 6 - June 3 - July 15 - August 12 - September 23 - October 14 - November 11 - December 9
2007: January 13 - February 24 - March 17 - April 17 - May 5 - June 2

Tour Tariff
N° of Participants	2	3	4	5	6	SGL Supp.
USD	$ 2602	$ 2077	$ 2077	$ 2077	$ 1799	$ 471
EUR	€ 2160	€ 1724	€ 1724	€ 1724	€ 1493	€ 391
GBP	£ 1457	£ 1163	£ 1163	£ 1163	£ 1007	£ 263

(*) Price last updated on 12 March 2006. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .
(**) All fixed departures are shared. We also organise private departures at other dates upon request.

Included: Lodging in double room with private bathroom in hotel and beautiful lodges, meals as specified, private transportation, experienced guides, excursions as specified, park entrance fees.

Not included: Other meals, drinks, tips, domestic flights, airport taxes

Austral Road Overland

"Chile"